Campeonato Brasileiro preview round 35

We’re broadcasting just one game this round and that’s the top of the table clash between Flamengo and Palmeiras.

Last weekend, Fla pulled off a narrow win over neighbours Botafogo thanks to a Kléberson penalty. Though Flamengo’s chances of taking the league are slim, they are in with a good chance of booking a place in the Libertadores. In their last home match, the Rio outfit were more than fortunate to draw 2×2 with Portuguesa. Fla took the lead on that occasion, only to sit back and let Portuguesa take control and nearly come away with a win. The finger of blame has to point at Caio Júnior who tried (and failed) with these tactics when he coached Palmeiras in 2007. The coach almost took the São Paulo side into the Libertadores last season but managed to botch it at the final hurdle.

Following their defeat to Grêmio last weekend, Palmeiras may now have to content themselves with a top four finish and that will be regarded as a major disappointment by the club.

Ex Brazil keeper, Macros, was at fault for the goal against Grêmio but in truth, Palmeiras rarely looked like beating their opponents on Sunday. Without Kléber and Diego Souza, the Palestra Itália outfit showed their limitations versus a determined team.

Palmeiras have brought in a lot of players this year but it’s clear that Vanderlei Luxemburgo (if he stays) will have to reshuffle his pack in 2009.

Palmeiras have a good record in the Maracanã against Flamengo. In 21 meetings, they have managed 7 wins and 7 draws to Fla’s 7 victories.

Caio Júnior may drop Marcelinho Paraíba to the bench as Everton starts. Brazil left-back, Juan, is an injury doubt.

Palmeiras are expected to bring in rightback Fabinho Capixaba in place of Elder Granja. Roque Júnior is back from injury and Diego Souza and Kléber return from suspension.

Goal average: 2.45

Kick off: Sunday 16th November – 17:00 Brasilia

Ones to watch: Flamengo’s Everton. Palmeiras’ Kléber.

Elsewhere, league leaders São Paulo take on a relegation-threatened Figueirense in the Morumbi. 2nd placed Grêmio come up against Coritiba in Porto Alegre. Cruzeiro are away at strugglers Náutico. Fluminense and Portuguesa will be fighting to avoid relegation in the Maracanã on Saturday.